Popular Mechanics on The Walking Dead Board Game

by Brian HuntingtonApril 4th, 2013

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In honor of International Tabletop Day last week (March 30th to be exact, in case you want to plan a party for International Tabletop Day 2014) Popular Mechanics runs down 10 alternative tabletop games you should be playing. Our board game that we made with Z-Man Games made the list! Here’s what they say about it:

This game is based on Robert Kirkman’s comic book of the same name, and not AMC’s hit show. And while there is a competing (and inferior) board game based on the TV series, this one truly captures the look and feel of the comic world, thanks in no small part to the original art by Charlie Adlard and the game’s increasingly challenging play mechanics.

In the days following a Zombie Apocalypse, friends are scarce and resources even more so, but you’ll need both to survive. That is the crux of Z-Man Games’ The Walking Dead. Players start with two “survivors,” one of six leaders, and a random follower who each possesses his or her own unique skills and abilities. Everyone must hit the road in search of safety. While that might sound easy, zombies are numerous and followers more often than not end up hors d’oeuvres for the undead.

Pros: Grim, gritty, and bleak, just like the comic book. The unforgiving gameplay makes the smallest victories feel monumental.

Cons: What, no Michonne?!? The sheer number of zombies means more games end with the last man standing rather than an outright winner.